First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1first
adjective \ˈfərst\
: coming before all others in time, order, or importance
—used to refer to the lowest forward gear or speed of a vehicle
: having or playing the main part in a group of instruments
Full Definition of FIRST
: preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as a : earliest b : being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments <first violins>
See first defined for English-language learners
See first defined for kids
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Origin of FIRST
Middle English, from Old English fyrst; akin to Old High German furist first, Old English faran to go — more at fare
Related to FIRST
Other Number-Related Terms
2first
adverb
: before any other in time, order, or importance
: for the first time
: before doing other things
Full Definition of FIRST
1
a : before another in time, space, or importance b : in the first place —often used with of all c : for the first time
2
: in preference to something else : sooner
See first defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FIRST
before 12th century
Related to FIRST
- Antonyms
- involuntarily, unwillingly
Other Number-Related Terms
3first
noun
Definition of FIRST
1
— see number table
2
: something that is first: as a : the first occurrence or item of a kind b : the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : the highest or chief voice or instrument of a group d : an article of commerce of the finest grade e : the winning or highest place in a competition, examination, or contest
See first defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FIRST
13th century
Other Number-Related Terms
AT FIRST Defined for Kids
1first
adjective \ˈfərst\
Definition of FIRST for Kids
: coming before all others in time, order, or importance <first prize> <first base>
2first
adverb
Definition of FIRST for Kids
1
: before any other <I reached the goal first.>
2
: for the first time <We first met at a party.>
3first
noun
Definition of FIRST for Kids
1
: number one in a series
2
: something or someone that comes before all others <Her perfect score was a first for the school.>
3
: the winning place in a competition
— at first
: in the beginning <I hated dance lessons at first.>
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